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Sept 2023 Newsletter

In this issue:

Kids and Anxiety Pt 2

Our (Not-So-Secret) Agenda

Cogs. Gears. Humans as Inter-Changeable Parts...

...i

s not our goal at Greenwich Arts Academy. Our overarching target for all our students is:


CREATIVITY.

It’s at the heart of what makes us human. We make new things.

We accomplish this by dynamically sifting all the stimuli that come in and combining them with our vast wealth of stored experience. Creating is really re-combining.

But it’s not taught in many schools. In fact, “creativity” frequently gets little more than a passing nod.

Have you noticed that kids rarely have hobbies nowadays? That they seem incurious, and uninterested (unless it’s in their phones, where someone else has been creative and the child now merely passively consumes the content). That they’re afraid of making mistakes, often to the point of paralysis?

In many schools we "Teach to the Test"

This is a crisis, and it’s a tragedy. Because it’s only through curiosity (forward force) and error (backward force) that the mind learns.

*      *      *

Have you ever watched a toddler learn to walk? They bump into every wall, table, and chair leg, and figure out every way possible to fall down. And once they’ve done that, whatever’s left is called “walking.” Works like a charm. We learn everything that way.

Remember these?

But in many schools, we “teach to the test.” That is, we force-feed information that is meant to be regurgitated exactly as input. (How else can we pass tests, right?) We also penalize “wrong” answers and “mistakes.” Many students don’t actually learn how to learn.

And gradually, that sense of wonder and curiosity that all children radiate when they’re little just… goes… away…

Our industrial-revolution-era education system was designed to churn out good workers, to be cogs in other people’s machines. This model still applies here, now, almost 200 years later. But we don’t want our children to be cogs, do we?

They must become creatives.

*      *      *

Hi there! I'm Michael Hienzsch, director of Greenwich Arts Academy. 30 years ago, when I was developing the teaching methodology we use at Greenwich Arts Academy today, I came across Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain by Dr. Betty Edwards. This was a book about how ordinary people could learn to draw spectacularly well in only seven days, by learning to “see how artists see.” Actually, by learning to use their brains in a new way. A whole-brain, creative way.

I immediately recognized a robust corollary between learning to draw well and learning to play an instrument well. This connection answered a lot of questions for me. So I adopted much of Dr. Edwards’ research into my own music teaching method.

Because becoming a good musician is identical with becoming a creative musician.

But I gradually discovered that consciously developing creativity isn’t just about becoming an excellent artist. It’s a crucial life skill.

It's the creative parent who raises curious, creative children
Happy Kid with paint on his hands!
Being creative and being messy are frequently the same thing!

I learned creativity is a whole-brain function. It makes you smarter, and in a feedback loop being smarter makes you more creative. Creativity goes hand-in-hand with “auto-didacticism,” the ability to teach yourself. Think Da Vinci, Mozart, Franklin, Lincoln, Disney, Jobs. Statistically, adults who continue to learn into old age live longer, and stronger.

It’s the creative office worker who gets raises and promotions (ok, and steps on toes and sometimes gets fired). It’s the creative team member who generates the forward momentum (and frequently assumes a leadership position) in projects. It’s the creative parent who raises curious, creative children.

Creativity is the “killer app” of the 21st century.

*      *      *

At GAA, the quest for creativity is woven into the fabric of everything we do. Here creativity is deliberately taught, and learned. (BTW, if you're currently looking for a music school, and the academy you’re considering doesn’t place creativity at the pinnacle of their process, move on!)

(Note: to be fair, some schools are slowly waking up to this crisis of non-creativity. You’re starting to see “makerspaces” showing up, where kids can design and build whatever they can imagine. Shop classes are coming back. Even a little bit of arts funding. Learning to code is a creative activity. But we need more. Our ability to compete on the world stage depends on it.)

*      *      *
Think Like a Genius by Tod Siler

Sometime when you’re at the Academy, browse through the bookshelves. You’ll find an array of books and resources revolving around the notion of “thinking like a genius.” Including the book Think Like A Genius.

We firmly believe creativity is both teachable and learnable. It’s not about talent, or in-born aptitude. Anyone can learn to be creative. And it’s critical that our students acquire this skill. It’s the key differentiator between being a passive or an active person. A leader, or a follower.

Local News for Families

local news for families at Greenwich Arts Academy
O

ur goal for this local news column is always to provide our busy moms and dads some local ways and means to make their lives easier, less stressful, more productive (if it won’t increase the stress!), and hopefully more fun.

As we ease into back-to-school season, we all need a break for family time that doesn’t involve buying clothes or school supplies. So, here’s a short list of fun, local things you can sample this month. Here we go...

* * *

If you’ve never checked out the Meerkats at the Norwalk Aquarium, they’re really worth a visit.

Recently relocated to a new (much larger!) habitat, their new home replicates the animals’ native African-desert habitat and offers the meerkats many new opportunities for climbing, digging and exploring. Plus, three viewing “bubbles” give guests the chance to pop up right among the meerkats.

https://www.maritimeaquarium.org/meerkat-exhibit

* * *

On Sunday, September 10th, at the Stamford Museum and Nature Center, an annual favorite returns! It's... STREAM HUNTERS! Come glimpse life around and below the surface of Poorhouse Brook. From crayfish to caddisflies, you’ll search for the many amazing critters who make their living in the stream! Please come dressed to go into the stream. Nets provided. Ages 5 and up.

https://www.stamfordmuseum.org/event/stream-hunters-2/

* * *

Ok, this last one isn’t exactly local… but if you’re willing to drive an hour and a half from Stamford to Essex – and you love trains! – you should really check out the Essex Steam Train and Riverboat. They offer a two-and-a-half-hour dinner ride up the beautiful Connecticut River Valley in an impeccably restored Pullman Dining Car pulled by an authentic Steam Locomotive. Along with other seasonal offerings: wine and chocolate Dinner Train… Mommy and Me Leprechaun Tea…

https://essexsteamtrain.com/

See you around town!

Kids and Anxiety Pt 2

How can we help our kids deal with their fears?

Kids need help with their Anxiety, declares Greenwich Arts Academy
M

any children suffer from worry. They’re under a lot of social scrutiny at school, and kids can be cruel. They have little control over their lives. Most aspects of their lives are controlled by parents or teachers. Add in a little nightly news, and it should come as no surprise to an observant parent that their children are frequently anxious.

Some anxiety is healthy – our brains are designed to alert us to dangerous situations, and this function is just as important for children as for adults. It’s the amount of anxiety in proportion to the stressors in our kid’s lives that we need to help them regulate, until they gradually build up enough perspective to regulate their anxiety themselves. That’s how we foster resilience in our kids.

Here are some more strategies to help your child overcome their anxiety:

1. Take a look at your home life. Is your home life stressful for your child? Do you and your child’s other parent get along well, or is there a lot of arguing? Are there financial pressures in the household that the child is aware of?

  • Children might give the impression that they’re not listening, but they are surprisingly adept at figuring out what’s going on.

2. Avoid avoidance. You might think you’re being protective if you help your child to avoid everything that causes them to feel anxious, but this actually contributes to the anxiety.

  • Each time your child is allowed to avoid a situation due to anxiety, a part of her brain says, “Hmmmm. If I make her feel anxious, we can get out of doing things.”
  • The brain quickly learns what works. The next time, the anxiety will be even stronger. The brain will continue turning up the volume until it gets what it wants.
  • Avoiding a stressor brings relief, which is very rewarding. The urge to avoid only becomes stronger as it’s reinforced.
  • Be supportive but avoid letting them off the hook.

3. Get professional help. It’s very challenging for a parent to effectively help a child with moderate to severe anxiety issues. Sometimes professional help will be useful. Find a therapist or psychologist that specializes in children of your child’s age.

Let your child know that you're sensitive to their feelings and are always there to support them.

If your child is anxious, it can be heartbreaking to see them constantly worry. It can also be frustrating when their worries seem pointless to you. (Of course, as we mentioned last month, your child’s anxieties are as real to them as yours are to you.)

Be supportive. Be patient. And get professional help if your efforts prove to be insufficient.

Student of the Month

Timmy

  

Belfiore

Timmy loves studying music at Greenwich Arts Academy

What instruments do you play?

  • Drums, Piano and Ukulele

How long have you taken lessons?

  • Almost a year.

Who are your favorite musical artists?

  • Owl City, Arianna Grande, The English Beat, and the musical Tik Tik Boom

What are you other hobbies besides music?

  • Rock climbing! And art.

What are your favorite foods?

  • Chinese food, and tacos.

What is the coolest thing you've learned in your lessons in the last three months?

  • How to play “Sunday” from Tik Tik Boom

Do you have any performances coming up?

  • I’ll be playing in the concert at Greenwich Arts Academy in January.

We want to thank 

Timmy

 for referring her friends to the Academy!

Meet Our New Students

September 2024

Altin S.

Annie T.

Kendrick A.

Penelope B.

Sydney B.

Giovanni M.

Max M.

James T.

Mia C.

Nate S.

Abbot C.

Daniel M.

Janet C.

Lilian K.

Luna E.

Patrick F.

John F.

Lael K.

Frances H.

Margaret H.

Remember that car we used to draw in Kindergarten? It actually exists.

Is Your Teacher Sold Out?

Athena Artemis

spots left...

this day is sold out at Greenwich arts academy

2

Schuyler Gordon

spots left...

this day is sold out at Greenwich arts academy

2

Jim Kost

spots left...

this day is sold out at Greenwich arts academy

1

Rodrigo Fedalto

spots left...

this day is sold out at Greenwich arts academy

5

TJ Castello

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this day is sold out at Greenwich arts academy

4

Michael Hienzsch

spots left...

this day is sold out at Greenwich arts academy

3

Wesley Orser

spots left...

this day is sold out at Greenwich arts academy

3

Athena Artemis

spots left...

this day is sold out at Greenwich arts academy

2

Schuyler Gordon

spots left...

this day is sold out at Greenwich arts academy

2

Jim Kost

spots left...

this day is sold out at Greenwich arts academy

1

Rodrigo Fedalto

spots left...

this day is sold out at Greenwich arts academy

5

TJ Castello

spots left...

this day is sold out at Greenwich arts academy

4

Michael Hienzsch

spots left...

this day is sold out at Greenwich arts academy

3

Wesley Orser

spots left...

this day is sold out at Greenwich arts academy

3

The Academy is growing rapidly. Thank You! :-)

Thank you, students and parents, for choosing us!

Refer a friend and get TWO free lessons!

If you have a friend who might like to take lessons, when you refer them to the Academy and they take 1 month of lessons, we’ll give you TWO lessons for free!

It’s very easy to refer someone.  Just visit:

Refer-A-Friend

Type in your name, their name, and their email address and we’ll take care of the rest!

There’s no maximum to the amount of free lessons you can receive!

Greenwich Arts Academy logo

Free Lesson Certificate

Thank you 

          your name here        

for referring 

                                           

 to the Academy!

1. To redeem your free lesson(s), call 203-439-5677 and sign up for an additional lesson, any day of the week, with your teacher or any of our other teachers. You are welcome to try another instrument if you like, or give this to a friend.2. Lessons CANNOT be rescheduled once they are on the Academy calendar.3. Certificates CANNOT be used for refunds to your account or cash.

Given by: 

                                  

Date: 

             

yiayia's recipe box

Greenwich Arts Academy presents Greek Chicken Souvlaki

Greek Chicken Souvlaki

Ingredients

Instructions

S

ometimes, all you need are a few simple ingredients to create some amazing flavors. These Greek skewers are one of those recipes. Bite sized chunks of chicken are marinated with lemon juice, oregano and garlic and can be grilled, baked or cooked on the stovetop.

  1. Place chicken and all other ingredients in a Ziploc bag. Squeeze out all the air. Let marinate for min. 2-3 hours, preferably overnight.
  2. Skewer the chicken onto metal skewers, or wooden skewers that have been soaked in water for at least 30 minutes. Cook according to your preferred method (below).
  3. After cooking, transfer to a serving platter and let rest for 3 minutes before serving.
  • Grill Method: Preheat over medium high heat and grill skewers 8-10 minutes, turning halfway through.
  • Oven Method: Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Place the skewers on a baking sheet lined with a wire rack. Bake for 15 minutes, then broil for a couple more minutes.
  • Stovetop Method: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook skewers 6-8 minutes per side.

Yummy Greek Mezze (Appetizers) featuring Greek Chicken Souvlaki


How to serve Greek Chicken Souvlaki:

So many options here!

  • Serve as part of a mezze platter along with olives, veggies and dips like Hummus, Tzatziki and Tyrokafteri.
  • They’re great over a fresh Salad for a light, low carb meal.
  • We love these Greek chicken bites in pitas with fixings like tomatoes, cucumber and tzatziki.
Serves 4-6
From Alpana
spicy
vegetarian
vegan
Click to Download Recipe
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